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Highland Park junior quarterback John Stephen Jones (9), grandson of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, turns upfield against Rockwall on a run in the first half of a high school football game at Highlander Stadium in Highland Park, Texas, Friday, August 26, 2016. (Jeffrey McWhorter/Special Contributor)

At first glance, John Stephen Jones looked like the least likely option in Highland Park's three-man quarterback battle, despite his football pedigree.

Jones is the grandson of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the son of Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones.

While none of Highland Park's three quarterbacks had much experience, Jones is the lone junior. The other two, Michael Clarke and Jack Fain, are returning letter winners. Both of them stood at least 6-2, and weighed at least 185 pounds. Jones is listed at 5-10, 169-pounds.

But in Highland Park's season opening 43-21 win over Rockwall on Friday, Jones was Highland Park coach Randy Allen's answer. He turned out to be a great one, completing 18 of 22 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns in his varsity debut.

"He exceeded my expectations," Allen said. "He played better than I thought he could tonight."

Jones learned he would be the starter on the Monday. He said he felt prepared, but when game time came the jitters started.

"I was real nervous," Jones said. "But after the first play that's all out the window."

He wasted no time getting started. On the second play of the game, he found receiver Scully Jenevein over the middle for a 52-yard gain. Four plays later he threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Paxton Alexander.

After Highland Park went up 22-0, Rockwall cut the lead to eight points, but Jones led an 89-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes of the half to give Highland Park a 29-14 lead heading into the locker room.

Jones finished the drive by sneaking a pass past a defender and hitting receiver Cade Staustad for a 4-yard touchdown pass.

When Rockwall failed on a fake punt coming out of halftime, Jones took advantage, rolling to his left and hitting receiver Hudson Wood for a 25-yard touchdown pass that put Highland Park back in control, 36-14.

In the fourth, with Highland Park leading 43-14 and just under eight minutes remaining, Jones was pulled from the game. His job was done. One of the few responsibilities he had left to was to see the bevy of family that attended the game.

"I'm going to be a guy with a famous father and famous son," Stephen Jones said on ESPNU Saturday. We were proud and he had a great night. It's a great program at Highland Park...The two seniors he's competed with have been supportive."

They were family to celebrate with, not to compare himself to.

"I'm not trying to live up to anything," Jones said. "I'm just trying to be me. That's all I care about."